No world medals for Thompson

SALFORD College sprinter Shaunna Thompson was left in the shade at the World Youth Championships in Bressanone at the weekend by fellow Brit Jodie Williams. Thompson, who walked away from last month’s English under-20s championships with the 200 metres gold medal, twice missed out on a podium position in Italy as Herts Phoenix ace Williams completed a golden sprint double.

SALFORD College sprinter Shaunna Thompson was left in the shade at the World Youth Championships in Bressanone at the weekend by fellow Brit Jodie Williams.

Thompson, who walked away from last month’s English under-20s championships with the 200 metres gold medal, twice missed out on a podium position in Italy as Herts Phoenix ace Williams completed a golden sprint double.

But, despite being outshone by Williams, Thompson believes that it was a job well done in Italy.

"I’m happy with my performances in light of early season injuries," said Thompson. "I’m really satisfied – it’s all that I could do.

"I’ve missed six weeks of training. I know that I can go back and the rest of my season is going to be okay.

"I know what I can do to improve now and I’m really pleased with that."

The 17-year-old’s recent pelvic injury plagued her Italian preparations and resulted in her finishing a disappointing fourth in the 100m final and fifth in the 200m equivalent a couple of days later.

Thompson clocked a season’s best time of 11.63 seconds in the 100m and ran the 200m in 23.67 seconds.

The UKA Heroes project, which is sponsored by Original Source, is a successful initiative which offers financial support to talented young athletes who are working towards the 2012 and 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.